V-6 3:55 RV thoughts

400 psi · Aug 2, 2022

We are looking at upgrading our travel trailer to a slightly larger one. My truck is a 2018 CC 3:55, V-6 rated at 7420# towing capacity and 1500 payload w/ 60k . Currently we have a 19'BH that is 4000 GV. I am looking at a 28' BH that is approx. 4800# dry. If I assume that the max GV of the replacement trailer would be 5500# and that I maintain 20% within towing capacity of the truck, this puts me around 5900 #'s for comfortable tow rating. Am I missing anything? The current set up works well and the trailer pulls well. Any real-world experience/advise with a similar size and weight camper with this motor /gear setup? This camper is used approximately five times per year mainly traveling to the SC coast and back into the mountains of NC. I feel that I am in spec range and will notice it as I come into the mountains but aside from that should be ok? I have tried to find similar threads discussing this but they mainly have 3:21 ratios. If I have missed this discussion somewhere please advise. Thanks for any input.

Fediej · Aug 2, 2022

Get a weight distribution hitch with sway control.

RamFP620 · Aug 2, 2022

I would keep an eye on tongue weight. I have a 5.7 with the 3.92 gears and pull a boat with 500# of tongue weight. With 500# and the family in the truck, I'm awfully close to GVWR to where I should really get a 2500.
Also, I used to tow a 5000# boat with a Durango with the V6 (6300# capacity). As long as i stayed on flat lands, it towed fine with the exception of not being able to really stay at 65 mph without the tranny heating up.

ramffml · Aug 2, 2022

You may be able to stay within your GCWR/payload. But tow ratings can be highly subjective, what one person feels is "acceptable" while towing (in terms of power and performance) is not going to be acceptable for another person. I'm not sure I'd be happy pulling that weight with the v6 in the mountains 5 times a year but I can't say for sure, just basing my opinion on watching YT reviews and how high that engine wants to rev under heavier loads.

MoparFin · Aug 2, 2022

I have an 18 with a 3.6, 3.55s, 4x4 with 275/65r20 tires, lifted 2 1/2” up front and 2” rear. I tow a 28’, 4300lbs dry camper. Just went from eastern PA to Richmond with no issues at all. As said, get a good Weight Distribution Hitch and brake controller and you’ll be good. I have a Recurve R3 which has built in sway control. Take your time up any steep mountains and don’t think you’ll win any races and it’s fine. I normally stay at about 60-65 mph on the highway.

2003F350 · Aug 2, 2022

MoparFin said:
I have an 18 with a 3.6, 3.55s, 4x4 with 275/65r20 tires, lifted 2 1/2” up front and 2” rear. I tow a 28’, 4300lbs dry camper. Just went from eastern PA to Richmond with no issues at all. As said, get a good Weight Distribution Hitch and brake controller and you’ll be good. I have a Recurve R3 which has built in sway control. Take your time up any steep mountains and don’t think you’ll win any races and it’s fine. I normally stay at about 60-65 mph on the highway.

This guy's got it right. The V6 is pretty stout, and most of the rest of the driveline is the same or similar to what a Hemi-powered truck would have. If you're staying inside your specs and realize that the V6 isn't 'winning any races' with a trailer behind you, you should be okay.

Definitely keep an eye on temperatures and make sure your fluids are in good shape.

csuder99 · Aug 3, 2022

I used to tow a Nash 17k with a V6/3.55/QC 4WD Tradesman. The trim level is important because the truck had around 1500 lbs of payload which helps. The trailer was rated @ 7k GVWR but it scaled 6400-6500 lbs because I didn't even use all the storage.
It did an ok job. Being a somewhat high revving engine with not much torque it screamed traveling in the mountains, perfectly relaxed traveling in the flats though. I then switched to a Hemi 2500 and it kept the RPM level down, however despite being rated at over 12k towing it still worked hard going over Slumgullion Pass (google it

) .

400 psi · Aug 5, 2022

Thank you all for your input! I appreciate it!

dhay13 · Aug 5, 2022

Just my thoughts but I think your estimate of GVWR may be off a little. You said dry weight is 4800lbs? Likely closer to 5300lbs after factoring in propane tanks, etc. Advertised dry weights are always a few hundred pounds light. Gonna take a guess and say your trailers GVWR may be closer to 6500lbs but that is just a guess and could be wrong. Steering, suspension and brakes wise your truck should be fine. I'm not familiar with the V6 so can't speak on that but verify your TT's GVWR before figuring everything else out.

star_deceiver · Aug 6, 2022

Coachman 223RBS. gvw of 7000lbs, scaled at 5800. Book tongue weight of 650lbs, scaled at 880. EAZ-800 hitch. Tows well, likes to rev. Will hold 60mph on most steeper grades. 1211 springs help the ride.

V-6 3:55 RV thoughts

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